Patents by Inventor Amy E. Miller
Amy E. Miller has filed for patents to protect the following inventions. This listing includes patent applications that are pending as well as patents that have already been granted by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
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Patent number: 10149367Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, an enclosure, a conductive yoke, and/or a conductive member. The antenna may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The control circuit may be responsive to the radio-frequency communication circuit. The enclosure may be configured to house the radio-frequency communication circuit and the control circuit. The conductive yoke may be attached to the enclosure and configured to mount the control device to an electrical wallbox. The conductive member may extend around a rear side of the enclosure between opposite sides of the yoke.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 10147311Abstract: A wireless control device may include a housing, a yoke, an antenna, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The yoke may be electrically conductive and be configured to mount the wireless control device to an electrical wallbox. The antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The antenna may be a slot antenna. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna, and the control circuit may be responsive to the communication circuit (e.g., the signals received via the communication circuit). The control device may also include a conductive component that is attached to a front surface of the housing. For example, the conductive component may be electrically connected to the yoke via a single electrical connection (e.g., a screw). Further, the conductive component may be parallel with the antenna and configured to be capacitively coupled to the antenna.Type: GrantFiled: April 26, 2017Date of Patent: December 4, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 10068466Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). A faceplate comprising a conductive element may be installed on the wireless control device, such that the conductive element operates as a radiating element of the antenna. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: GrantFiled: February 14, 2017Date of Patent: September 4, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9955548Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an enclosure, a bezel, a metal yoke, a slot antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, and one or more conductive elements. The bezel and the enclosure may define a space. The slot antenna may be located within the space defined by the enclosure and the bezel. The slot antenna may be configured to communicate radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive the radio-frequency signals via the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may be electrically coupled to the yoke, and may be configured to re-radiate the radio-frequency signals transmitted by the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may include a conductive backer in electrical connection with the metal yoke, where in some instances, the conductive backer is electrically connected to the metal yoke via a single electrical connection.Type: GrantFiled: May 18, 2017Date of Patent: April 24, 2018Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20170257927Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an enclosure, a bezel, a metal yoke, a slot antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, and one or more conductive elements. The bezel and the enclosure may define a space. The slot antenna may be located within the space defined by the enclosure and the bezel. The slot antenna may be configured to communicate radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive the radio-frequency signals via the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may be electrically coupled to the yoke, and may be configured to re-radiate the radio-frequency signals transmitted by the slot antenna. The one or more conductive elements may include a conductive backer in electrical connection with the metal yoke, where in some instances, the conductive backer is electrically connected to the metal yoke via a single electrical connection.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 18, 2017Publication date: September 7, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9742580Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals. The wireless control device may comprise a user interface, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, and/or a conductive faceplate. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input. The conductive faceplate may be configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the conductive faceplate is mounted to the wireless control device and the user interface is received in the opening of the conductive faceplate. The conductive faceplate may comprise a conductive material arranged over a plastic carrier, for example, the conductive material may be provided adjacent to greater than or equal to approximately 85% of the front surface.Type: GrantFiled: January 6, 2017Date of Patent: August 22, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20170229010Abstract: A wireless control device may include a housing, a yoke, an antenna, a communication circuit, and a control circuit. The yoke may be electrically conductive and be configured to mount the wireless control device to an electrical wallbox. The antenna may be configured to transmit and receive radio frequency signals. The antenna may be a slot antenna. The communication circuit may be configured to transmit and receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna, and the control circuit may be responsive to the communication circuit (e.g., the signals received via the communication circuit). The control device may also include a conductive component that is attached to a front surface of the housing. For example, the conductive component may be electrically connected to the yoke via a single electrical connection (e.g., a screw). Further, the conductive component may be parallel with the antenna and configured to be capacitively coupled to the antenna.Type: ApplicationFiled: April 26, 2017Publication date: August 10, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9699864Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may comprise a yoke, a faceplate assembly, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, and/or a control circuit. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The faceplate assembly may comprise a conductive element that is configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the faceplate assembly is attached to the yoke. The conductive element may comprise a conductive material on the front surface of the faceplate. The conductive element may be attached to a rear surface of the faceplate (e.g., as a conductive backer). The conductive element may be located inside of the faceplate. The conductive element may comprise metallization applied to a plastic carrier of the faceplate. The faceplate assembly may comprise an adapter plate comprising a surface on which the conductive element is located.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: July 4, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20170169702Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). A faceplate comprising a conductive element may be installed on the wireless control device, such that the conductive element operates as a radiating element of the antenna. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: February 14, 2017Publication date: June 15, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9652979Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the wireless control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). The antenna of the wireless control device may comprise a driven element and a conductive component. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: GrantFiled: October 9, 2015Date of Patent: May 16, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20170126422Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals. The wireless control device may comprise a user interface, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, and/or a conductive faceplate. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input. The conductive faceplate may be configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the conductive faceplate is mounted to the wireless control device and the user interface is received in the opening of the conductive faceplate. The conductive faceplate may comprise a conductive material arranged over a plastic carrier, for example, the conductive material may be provided adjacent to greater than or equal to approximately 85% of the front surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: January 6, 2017Publication date: May 4, 2017Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9609719Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). A faceplate comprising a conductive element may be installed on the wireless control device, such that the conductive element operates as a radiating element of the antenna. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: March 28, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: 9578720Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals. The wireless control device may comprise a user interface, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, and/or a conductive faceplate. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input. The conductive faceplate may be configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the conductive faceplate is mounted to the wireless control device and the user interface is received in the opening of the conductive faceplate. The conductive faceplate may comprise a conductive material arranged over a plastic carrier, for example, the conductive material may be provided adjacent to greater than or equal to approximately 85% of the front surface.Type: GrantFiled: May 28, 2015Date of Patent: February 21, 2017Assignee: LUTRON ELECTRONICS CO., INC.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20160035217Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the wireless control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). The antenna of the wireless control device may comprise a driven element and a conductive component. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: October 9, 2015Publication date: February 4, 2016Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20150346702Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, an enclosure, a conductive yoke, and/or a conductive member. The antenna may be configured to transmit and/or receive radio-frequency signals. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit and/or receive the radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The control circuit may be responsive to the radio-frequency communication circuit. The enclosure may be configured to house the radio-frequency communication circuit and the control circuit. The conductive yoke may be attached to the enclosure and configured to mount the control device to an electrical wallbox. The conductive member may extend around a rear side of the enclosure between opposite sides of the yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: RICHARD S. CAMDEN, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20150349402Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may comprise a yoke, a faceplate assembly, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, and/or a control circuit. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The faceplate assembly may comprise a conductive element that is configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the faceplate assembly is attached to the yoke. The conductive element may comprise a conductive material on the front surface of the faceplate. The conductive element may be attached to a rear surface of the faceplate (e.g., as a conductive backer). The conductive element may be located inside of the faceplate. The conductive element may comprise metallization applied to a plastic carrier of the faceplate. The faceplate assembly may comprise an adapter plate comprising a surface on which the conductive element is located.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20150349973Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals. The wireless control device may comprise a user interface, an antenna, a radio-frequency communication circuit, a control circuit, and/or a conductive faceplate. The radio-frequency communication circuit may be configured to transmit or receive radio-frequency signals via the antenna. The user interface may be configured to receive a user input. The conductive faceplate may be configured to operate as a radiating element of the antenna when the conductive faceplate is mounted to the wireless control device and the user interface is received in the opening of the conductive faceplate. The conductive faceplate may comprise a conductive material arranged over a plastic carrier, for example, the conductive material may be provided adjacent to greater than or equal to approximately 85% of the front surface.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Richard S. Camden, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Publication number: 20150349427Abstract: A wall-mountable wireless control device may include an antenna (e.g., a slot antenna or a hybrid slot-patch antenna) for transmitting and/or receiving radio-frequency signals, and may have a conductive material on a large amount (e.g., greater than or equal to approximately 85%) of a front surface of the control device. The wireless control device may operate consistently when installed with different types of faceplate assemblies (e.g., faceplate assemblies having metal and/or plastic components) and when installed with different types of electrical wallboxes (e.g., metal and plastic wallboxes). A faceplate comprising a conductive element may be installed on the wireless control device, such that the conductive element operates as a radiating element of the antenna. The wireless control device may comprise a conductive member (e.g., a conductive label or a conductive strap) extending around a rear enclosure of the wireless control device between opposite sides of a conductive yoke.Type: ApplicationFiled: May 28, 2015Publication date: December 3, 2015Applicant: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: RICHARD S. CAMDEN, Donald R. Mosebrook, William Taylor Shivell, Amy E. Miller
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Patent number: D706729Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 10, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Gauri Ashok Joshi, Amy E. Miller, Richard David Samuels, James P. Steiner
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Patent number: D707188Type: GrantFiled: September 27, 2013Date of Patent: June 17, 2014Assignee: Lutron Electronics Co., Inc.Inventors: Guari Ashok Joshi, Amy E. Miller, Richard David Samuels, James P. Steiner